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Kedar D.'s Profile
Vegan in Chicago
See All Lists
1. Karyn's on Green
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 226-6155
Category:
Vegan
Neighbourhoods: Greektown, Near West Side, West Loop
Chicago is undergoing a vegan renaissance and Karyn's on Green is the centerpiece of this transformation. As recently as a year ago, I was embarrassed by Chicago's lack of quality vegan restaurants---Chicago is the third largest city in the country…More »
2. Fritz Pastry
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 857-2989
I'm upping my review of Fritz Pastry after discovering their vegan donuts ($2 a piece). This is the finest vegan donut I've ever had and easily blows away the stuff made by Mighty-O in Seattle or Voodoo Donut in Portland. Fritz's donut is exquisite…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/29/2009
Fritz Pastry makes the finest vegan cupcake in Chicago and one of the best I've ever had. I… Read more »
3. Soul Vegetarian East
Chicago, IL 60619
(773) 224-0104
Categories:
Vegetarian,
Vegan,
Soul Food
Neighbourhood: Greater Grand Crossing
I loved Soul Vegetarian. The service was friendly and fast, the atmosphere was charming and worldly, and the food was delicious and perfectly priced and portioned. I haven't had soul food in a long time and found their cream of broccoli soup,…More »
4. Urban Vegan
I've been to a couple dozen or more vegan or vegetarian Thai joints around the world, including in Thailand itself. As such, I had high expectations for Urban Vegan, and the restaurant mostly met those expectations.
My two non-vegetarian friends went…More »
5. The Chicago Diner
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 935-6696
Categories:
Vegetarian,
Vegan
Neighbourhood: Lakeview
This is a landmark restaurant for vegetarians in Chicago. While the food (for me) has been hit or miss, its wide array of choices, great staff and cool atmosphere make it a great place to visit. The cheesecake here is probably the best I've ever had,…More »
6. Quesadilla La Reyna del Sur
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 235-8807
Categories:
Mexican,
Vegetarian
Neighbourhoods: Logan Square, Bucktown
Chicago has an unusually high number of extremely innovative and vegan-friendly Mexican businesses (Quesadilla, Azucar Bakery, La Cocina Logan Square, El Nuevo, and El Faro), beating out pretty much any other city. Quesadilla is the best of the…More »
7. The Bleeding Heart Bakery - CLOSED
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 327-6934
Categories:
Bakeries,
Breakfast & Brunch
Neighbourhood: Roscoe Village
Bleeding Heart is a nice little cafe with cool decor and a cozy atmosphere. They have more than a few vegan options by way of baked goods.
I had a triple chocolate cupcake, a "Ginger Rogers" cupcake, and a scone which is supposedly their best-selling…More »
8. Hema's Kitchen II
I have yet to find the perfect, gourmet, subtle and smart North Indian restaurant I've always been looking for. Indian food in the US tends to be greasy, oily, heavy and full of non-vegan dairy products such as ghee, yogurt, cream and butter. It's…More »
9. Yah's Cuisine
Chicago, IL 60649
(773) 759-8517
Categories:
Soul Food,
Vegan,
Vegetarian
Neighbourhood: South Shore
Yah's is a welcome addition to the south side of Chicago. While I don't think it matches its main competitor, Soul Vegetarian East, it's still good and worth visiting if you are in town.
The space itself is really simple, with about five or six tables…More »
10. Handlebar
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 384-9546
Categories:
Vegetarian,
Bars,
Vegan
Neighbourhood: Wicker Park
I had brunch at Handlebar and was extremely impressed with the options. Aside from vegan waffles and pancakes and tofu scrambles, they also had a "vegan diablo rancheros" ($8.75) which were excellent---spicy, colorful, crispy corn cakes with seitan,…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/31/2008
I came here with two non-veg friends thinking it would be a good place for them and it was.… Read more »
11. Sweet Cakes Bakery
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 772-5771
Categories:
Bakeries,
Coffee & Tea,
Desserts
Neighbourhood: Ukrainian Village
This is a wonderful, quaint coffee shop/bakery with numerous vegan items to choose from. From the sidewalk you walk through their lovely, large, outdoor patio which is practically forested---it's amazingly lush and cool and makes you forget you're in…More »
12. Pho's Hot & Spicy Thai Cuisine
I probably would have passed Pho's Thai by were it not for the "vegetarians welcome" subtitle below their sign. This is a small, quaint restaurant with simple dishes that feel home-cooked and authentic. The "garlic oyster sauce" they use is, in fact,…More »
13. El Faro Restaurant
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 277-1155
Categories:
Mexican,
Vegetarian
Neighbourhood: Little Village
Wow. El Faro has to be one of only 15 or so Mexican restaurants nation-wide that serves mockmeats and also unusual vegan dishes. We're not talking about a tofu burrito; the food here is far more sophisticated, and authentic, than that.
You wouldn't…More »
14. The Loving Hut
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 275-8797
Categories:
Vegan,
Vegetarian
Neighbourhood: Edgewater
Loving Hut is an all-purpose, affordable, friendly vegan cafe with some standard, and some unusual, pan-Asian offerings.
(Note: I never got a chance to try this place when it was still Alice and Friends, so I can't compare it to its past incarnation.)…More »
15. Delicious Cafe
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 697-4857
Categories:
Coffee & Tea,
Vegan,
Sandwiches
Neighbourhood: North Center
I have to downgrade Delicious Cafe. While I still think it's a cool coffee shop with a nice vibe, I find the food here to be extremely overpriced.
Their vegan breakfast sandwiches are, without question, the best I've had (it should be noted that…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
9/16/2009
What a wonderful, cozy little cafe. I came here for breakfast and didn't realize that it was an all… Read more »
16. Green Zebra
Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 243-7100
Categories:
Vegetarian,
Indian,
Thai
Neighbourhood: Noble Square
GZ is modern, romantic, mildly expensive, fusion-y, and full of artfully-presented meals on square plates. The menu uses words like "reduction" and "emulsion."
That said, I'm not sure why they insist on always offering one fish or chicken dish, and…More »
17. Karyn's Cooked
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 587-1050
Categories:
Vegetarian,
Vegan
Neighbourhoods: Near North Side, River North
UPDATE: I've been to Karyn's Cooked at least a dozen times over the last few years and a two trends have emerged: the service is always slow and on occasion curt and unhelpful; and the food is good on a whole, but there are more than a few clunkers…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/31/2008
I've been to Karyn's Cooked three times and had superb food every single visit. Try the lasagne or… Read more »
18. Veggie Bite - CLOSED
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 772-2483
Categories:
Vegan,
Vegetarian,
Fast Food
Neighbourhood: Wicker Park
I came here expecting more, honestly. I'd had Veggie Bite food at green conferences in Chicago and was amazed (they set up shop at at least a few of these events) by their nuggets and sandwiches.
But when I went to their second outlet in Chicago I…More »
19. Dragon Lady Lounge
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 267-1970
Dragonlady Lounge is a heady mix of dive-bar, Korean food, long-time old folks, newbie hipsters and indie rock. It's a strange place, but one that merits at least one visit, if just for the vegan buffet on Thursdays.
I came on a Saturday around 9 p.m.…More »
20. iCream
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 342-2834
Categories:
Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt,
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhood: Wicker Park
This is a pretty cool, futuristic ice cream shop. It looks and feels very much like Stogo in New York City, and even has the same pod-style bar stools.
However, unlike Stogo, and unlike any other ice cream shop I've been to, iCream doesn't have any…More »
21. Life on Mars - CLOSED
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-6277
Categories:
Vegan,
Vegetarian
Neighbourhood: Logan Square
This is a take-out joint offering vegan comfort foods. They fill Chinese take-out containers with whatever dishes you want and charge you by the pound. They also have tempeh/seitan/tofu sandwiches made to order, as well as soy shakes.
I tried their…More »
22. Sultan's Market
Chicago, IL 60689
(312) 638-9151
Category:
Middle Eastern
Neighbourhood: Lincoln Park
I'd heard Sultan's has the best falafel in Chicago, and I can't categorically deny that (because I haven't had too much falafel in Chicago), but I can definitely say that the falafel here was okay, but not great. It's definitely not the best falafel…More »
23. Chutney Joe's
As many others have mentioned, Chutney Joe's is basically an Indian copy of Chipotle (practically plagiarized). It's in many ways a hip, slicker version of Indian whole-in-the-walls that serve full meals for very little money. Funnily enough, Chutney…More »
24. I Dream Of Falafel
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 913-9660
Categories:
Middle Eastern,
Vegan,
Mediterranean
Neighbourhood: The Loop
Like Chipotle, or fellow Chicago restaurant Chutney Joe's, I Dream of Falafel is a quick-serve, build-your-own lunch spot with falafel and hummus and whatnot.
I like that they label all their vegan options, which are standard Middle Eastern things…More »
25. Baba's Village
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 880-0010
Baba's Village is one of only five or six Indian restaurants nation-wide to offer vegan mockmeats. Thanks to Mercy For Animals for making this restaurant so vegan-friendly and unusual.
I had a vegan chicken jalfrezi ($9.70 with tax). There were six…More »
26. LooseLeaf Lounge
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 348-7881
Categories:
Coffee & Tea,
Music Venues
Neighbourhood: Lakeview
LooseLeaf Lounge has a small, but respectable variety of loose leaf teas. I do find it strange that a place with such a name could have so few varieties of tea, but oh well.
They don't have any vegan baked goods, but they do have one vegan sandwich…More »
27. Yummy Yummy Asian Cuisine
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 525-6677
Categories:
Chinese,
Juice Bars & Smoothies,
Vegetarian
Neighbourhood: Lakeview
Since my last visit was on Christmas, I thought I'd come back on a less hectic day. I had a lunch special here when it was practically empty. The "empress soy protein" was decent, but a bit gooey. However the lunch special is an excellent value at…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/31/2008
I came here on Christmas with a vegan friend. Note to others who can't cook on Christmas: don't go… Read more »
28. Pick Me Up Cafe
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 248-6613
Categories:
American (New),
Vegan
Neighbourhood: Lakeview
Pick Me Up is an American diner with edgy clientele (especially compared to the residents of Wrigleyville). I like that they're open late and offer a variety of vegan options, though nothing here really stands out, and the options are pretty basic.
…More »
29. Blind Faith Café
I wasn't super-impressed with Blind Faith.
We shared a Blind Faith burger ($10.50) which was pretty bland and boring. We also had a vanilla cupcake and a cappuccino brownie, both of which were dry and not terribly flavorful.
There didn't seem to be a…More »
30. Rajun Cajun
Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 955-1145
Categories:
Indian,
Pakistani,
Asian Fusion
Neighbourhood: Hyde Park
Rajun Cajun is decent for a quick, cheap meal. All the dishes are sitting there in a buffet counter and you tell them what you want (individual dishes, combo platters, etc.) and they slop it onto a plate for you. This isn't an ecological place by any…More »
31. Cookie Bar
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 348-0300
Category:
Desserts
Neighbourhoods: Lincoln Park, DePaul
Cookie Bar is kitchy and offers two varieties of vegan cookies, but that's pretty much it for my people. We tried both cookies (one was chocolate chip and the other had some kind of berry in it); while I liked the chewy texture, I thought the coconut…More »
32. Friendship Chinese Restaurant
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 227-0970
Categories:
Chinese,
Sushi Bars
Neighbourhood: Avondale
Friendship Restaurant is an upscale-looking Chinese joint with a couple of vegan dishes. While its ambience and service are good, the food here is woefully mediocre.
My friend and I shared a "Temple's Feast" ($11) and a Kung Pao Eggplant and Mushroom…More »
33. RA Sushi Bar Restaurant
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 274-0011
Categories:
Japanese,
Sushi Bars,
Asian Fusion
Neighbourhoods: Near North Side, Gold Coast
Ra Sushi has very little for vegans except the most basic kind of avocado or cucumber sushi rolls (or, as I like to say, the Japanese equivalent of iceberg lettuce salads at steakhouses). The bar area is pretty nice, though, and I like the decor. Be…More »
34. Cousin's Incredible Vitality - CLOSED
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 478-6868
Categories:
Vegetarian,
Live/Raw Food
Neighbourhood: Irving Park
The food here is not the best raw food I've ever had, nor were the main courses even edible (in my opinion).
We started off with a "live pizza" ($6) which was, in fact, excellent. I've never tasted a raw pizza that good before. It was not only…More »
35. Star of Siam
There's not too much vegan food in the Loop, but my friend and I gave Star of Siam a shot one evening. The atmosphere is kind of nice and cozy and the service was fairly prompt and friendly.
That said, the food was terrible. The fried tofu appetizer…More »
36. Kramer's Health Foods
This place sucks. I debated giving it two stars, if only because it's the only vegetarian restaurant downtown, but I don't want this place on the front lines of what vegan and vegetarian food represents.
For one thing, the cafe portion looks like a…More »
37. Earwax Cafe - CLOSED
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 772-4019
Categories:
Breakfast & Brunch,
Diners,
Vegan
Neighbourhood: Wicker Park
I was tempted to give this place two stars instead of one, but I decided that, given its hipster location, and given the multitude of great vegan-friendly joints serving American food in Chicago, Earwax really fails vegans and makes food that is…More »
Recently updated lists from Kedar D.
Vegan in New Haven (30)New Haven's got some solid choices for a vegan or vegetarian and here are my top picks. |
Vegan in New York City (60)I've been to pretty much every major vegan joint in Manhattan, and many big ones in Brooklyn. Here is a list of where to go and where to skip. |
Vegan in Philadelphia (11)Philadelphia is a vegan's dream and overlooked compared to cities like Seattle and Portland. I argue that this list shows Philadelphia is a vegan contender. |
Vegan in the Chicago Suburbs (18)The Chicago suburbs have a few surprises for those looking for good vegan and vegetarian food. |
Vegan in the Bay Area (56)A work-in-progress list of the best places for vegan options in the San Francisco Bay Area. |
Vegan in Portland (OR) (13)Some of my favorite vegan spots in Portland, Oregon. |
Vegan in the Twin Cities (23)Some of my favorite dining destinations in the Twin Cities. |
Veggie (Vegan) Burgers in the Twin Cities (15)I have diligently hunted for the best veggie burger in the Twin Cities. My only stipulations: 1. The burger must be vegan or veganizable; 2. The burger must be homemade, not microwaved from a box. |
Minneapolis to Chicago (and back) (10)As a Chicagoland native, I often drive from Minneapolis back home to visit my parents. There's a lot to eat in Wisconsin, even for a vegan like me. Here are some of my favorites! |
Falafel in the Twin Cities (5)I've eaten A LOT of falafel in the Twin Cities and here are my favorites (ranked in order). If a place isn't on this list, it's because that place is not worthy of being on this list. |
See all 12 lists »
"Analog Vegan"
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Review votes:
1723 Useful, 321 Funny, and 830 Cool
Minneapolis, MN
Yelping SinceNovember 2008
Things I Lovetea, biking, vegans, Brazil, India, Portuguese
Find Me InA vegan restaurant near you
My HometownChicago, IL
My Blog Or Website When I'm Not Yelping...I am eating, biking or reading
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI rarely give 5 stars; my reviews are calibrated. And I only review restaurants.
My Second Favourite Website The Last Great Book I ReadLabyrinth of Solitude by Octavio Paz
My First ConcertSimon and Garfunkel
My Favourite MovieThe Straight Story (movie); The Fog of War (documentary)
My Last Meal On EarthHorizons (Philadelphia)
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...I don't have an iPod or any Apple products